Testimonials
Testimonial from a Prospective New Family
September 28, 2012
Dear Edie,
Ben and I just wanted to write a short note to thank you for spending so much time and energy showing us around your beautiful school. We were both astonished at the warmth, friendliness, and sense of intellectual adventure on the campus. We both said as we got into our car, “if we can make this happen for our children, we must.”
What impressed us most? Everything. Every student was engaged, every teacher and administrator was bright and enthusiastic, and the place exuded a sense of harmony, positivity, and hope. The charming potato-eating girl, even though she had obviously just messed up in her math class, was able to say without any hint of despair, “yeah, I need to work on that.” And the beautiful thing is, it went without saying that she would. That’s why she could nibble her chip and smile!
Even more than the outstanding intellectual qualifications and talents of your teachers, we were both struck by the total learning environment itself. As you said, here we learn by playing. We saw that in so many ways—kids with cellos and double basses—Bunsen burners—that group of three studying for geography—everyone smiling, focused, thinking. Congratulations on your fine school!
Thank you again, Edie, we had such a nice visit. I sincerely hope we can make this happen for our children, for all the reasons I mentioned above. We will be in touch shortly about next steps.
Sincerely,
A prospective new family
Class of 2012 Student Testimonial
Katlyn Pauvlik, Class of 2012
Entrepreneurial Studies class
Lake Ridge Academy differentiates itself from other schools, both public and private, by truly preparing its students for college, not only intellectually, but also socially and physically. Most other college preparatory schools boast that through the nature and difficulty of the courses they offer, their students will be ready for college life by the time they graduate. While Lake Ridge does this, they also prepare students for other aspects of college. For example, the campus feels like a college campus. Students are given independence and freedom during the school day. During free periods, students can choose what to do instead of being forced to sit in a study hall and do homework. These free periods give students the choice to do homework, associate with friends, or read a book, just to name a few of the many options. This helps teach students about responsibility. If a student chooses not to use any of their free periods studying or doing homework, they will experience the consequences themselves and be forced to make personal changes. Lake Ridge makes it clear that a good education is well-rounded and holistic. By incorporating athletics, arts, and service into the curriculum, Lake Ridge allows students to get a feel of what a liberal arts education at college is like. Lake Ridge also socially prepares students for college life. By associating with their peers, students will be able to gauge what it will be like to interact with college-level students once they graduate. Another differentiating feature of Lake Ridge Academy is cost. While, price as a differentiating feature can often hinder a company or organization, Lake Ridge uses price as a differentiating feature successfully. Because of the cost, students and parents expect more from the school. In return, Lake Ridge delivers an education even more valuable than the cost. However, they do not use this cost to be exclude candidates who can't afford the tuition. Lake Ridge's dedication to make sure any deserving candidate can afford to attend the school also helps differentiate it from its competition. Lake Ridge Academy has scholarships more generous than other private schools in the area.
It is ... wonderful to hear that this class is still going strong as I know all of the students that come through it will continue to realize its value all throughout college and then as enter the working world. - Jeffery Ader '04 - in reference to Principles of Finance and Investment Course in the Entrepenurial Studies Program
Along with the many courses offered at Lake Ridge, the science department will be adding pre-med and anatomy courses to help interested students prepare for med school. - Megan Leake '09
Playing sports at Lake Ridge Academy gives you a great sense of team and leadership. - Richie O'Neill '10
1. Always never fight with a long-time friend.
2. Never leave schoolwork to the last week of school.
3. Mr. Harris knows exactly what you're doing....all of the time!
4. Respect is the key to many doors.
5. Be a leader, not a follower.
6. Never be afraid about moving up to the next grade.
- words of wisdom from the 5th grade class
Alexz Schasfoort recently received the very prestigious President's Award for Educational Achievement at the assembly of the International School of Curacao. His award was for "Outstanding Academic Achievement". It was one of three awards presented for Academics and Civil Service. The award was signed by President Obama and the United States Secretary of Education.
Among other requirements, this award required an A average in all subjects. This was a huge feat for Alexz coming from a non-grading environment and also with his placement in intermediate level Dutch and Spanish studies.
This award extends from a solid base from Lake Ridge Academy. Every project he turned in, fallowed his "personal best" guidelines (thanks Mrs. Lane). His last library project was proclaimed a '200% amazing" by his very rigid British bred instructor.